BC’s Minister of Health Adrian Dix would like to be at his church’s Advent service this weekend, but that won’t be possible because his government has tightened restrictions on faith gatherings. When provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new… Read more →
Author Archive for Flyn Ritchie
Around Town: Affordable Housing, Christian Seasons, Adopt-a-School
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
A virtual gathering on Saturday morning will ask the question, “What if the churches of the Lower Mainland could help to significantly reduce homelessness and provide affordable housing?” TIm Dickau organized The Church and Affordable Housing, November 28, 10 am… Read more →
Exploring the faith journeys of Canadian-Born Chinese Christians
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
A major study of the faith journeys of Canadian-Born Chinese Christians finds that many are falling away from the faith and suggests some ways to reach and mentor them. Commissioned by CCCOWE Canada (Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelization), Listening… Read more →
Around Town: Sonya Grypma, Catholic Shelter, Dr. Henry’s new orders – today
by Flyn Ritchie • • 2 Comments
Sonya Grypma is president of the Canadian Association for Schools of Nursing (CASN). She is also Vice Provost, Leadership & Graduate Studies and Dean of GLOBAL at Trinity Western University – and responsible for overseeing the university’s response to the… Read more →
Earthkeepers support city’s Climate Emergency Action Plan; expect debate
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Earthkeepers and another network of faith leaders are strongly urging Vancouver City Council to adopt a plan which “focuses on reducing our carbon pollution through 19 proposed actions that focus on how we move around the city, how we build… Read more →
Around Town: First United makeover, CLA Housing, social conservatives . . .
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
First United has long been a steady and welcoming presence in the Downtown Eastside for the homeless and poor, first as a church and more recently as a community centre and social service provider. Now First United Community Ministry has… Read more →
New leader of World Evangelical Alliance points to Geoff Tunnicliffe’s key role
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Thomas Schirrmacher will take over leadership of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) next March from Bishop Efraim Tendero, who in turn succeeded Geoff Tunnicliffe, who lives in Metro Vancouver. Following is the first part of a November 5 interview from… Read more →
Whole Way House offers community: ‘four walls don’t make a home’
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
“We are in a housing crisis, but without the heart component people don’t stay long in housing.” Jenny Konkin used to focus more on finding housing for homeless people in the Downtown Eastside, but she has refined her views: When… Read more →
Around Town: caring for charities, Mission Possible, Extreme Weather
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Canada Cares is working hard to “bridge the gap between Canadians’ charitable actions and government support.” Organizers describe themselves as “Canadians who care about the charitable sector.” Several partners are based in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including Journey… Read more →
Around Town: COVID-19 restrictions tighten, HomeStart, Shelter Movers …
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Dr. Bonnie Henry has again stated her appreciation for the role of faith leaders during the pandemic. During her October 26 statement, which announced new restrictions on private gatherings, she said: With COVID in our communities, having large gatherings in… Read more →